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Outdoor Youth Programs

Summer 2025

Targeting Gunnison Valley locals, these programs offer opportunities for rising middle schoolers to explore and gain confidence in the outdoors. All trips start and end in Crested Butte. Group sizes range from 4 to 7 students per guide. We offer some of these programs in conjunction with the Gunnison County Substance Abuse Prevention Program (GCSAPP), noted below. For these programs you'll apply for and register for these programs directly with GCSAPP.

Peak Climb of the Week

  • Wednesdays, July 9 through August 6th
  • 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Join us each week to summit mountains around Gunnison County.
Participants will need to bring their own day-packs, rain gear, footwear, food and water.
Group Size:  7
Hiking Level:  East to Moderate
Price: $130 / day

Intro to Backpacking

  • June 23-25
We recommend this 3-day, 2-night trip for students with no or minimal backpacking and hiking experience. Students can expect to hike with backpacking packs for 4 to 6 miles each day, mostly on-trail.
Participants will need to bring their own packs, clothing, sleeping gear, tent, and eating utensils.They can share tents with a friend, or carry their own. Backpacking food and group gear included.
Group Size:  7
Hiking Level:  Moderate
Price: $525 / person

Intermediate Backpacking

  • June 30 – July 3, 2025
We recommend this 4-day, 3-night trip for students with prior hiking and backpacking experience. Students can expect to hike for 5 to 8 miles each day, with a significant amount of off-trail travel.
Participants will need to bring their own packs, clothing, sleeping gear, tent, and eating utensils.They can share tents with a friend, or carry their own. Backpacking food and group gear included.
Group Size:  7
Hiking Level:  Strenuous
Price: $700 / person

GCSAPP Choice Pass Youth Outdoor Leadership

  • August 12 – 14, 2025
  • Incoming 7th & 8th Graders
We designed this 3-day / 2-night backpacking adventure to develop courage, confidence, and skills. Students can expect to take a big role in all aspects of the trip. They will work as a team to plan their route and menu, navigate, cook and clean, and manage parts of the trip under a guide’s supervision and mentorship.
Participants will need to bring their own packs, clothing, sleeping gear, tent, and eating utensils.They can share tents with a friend, or carry their own. Backpacking food and group gear included.
Group Size:  7
Hiking Level:  Strenuous
Price: $150 for Choice Pass Holders, $180 for non-Choice Pass Holders

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR AND REGISTER DIRECTLY THROUGH GCSAPP

Register

Peak Hike of the Week ($130 each day)
Intro to Backpacking ($525)
Meet the first morning at 8AM, in downtown Crested Butte, at the CB Town Bike Park, behind the School. Pick up at 3PM on the last day.
Intermediate Backpacking ($700)
Meet the first morning at 8AM, in downtown Crested Butte, at the CB Town Bike Park, behind the School. Pick up at 3PM on the last day.

Parent Name(Required)
Student Name
Credit Card
A group of hikers standing next to large striped bouders.
Cooking dinner on a rock with a rainbow over the mountains.
Backpacking in a crack in the mountain.
A group of young hikers on a summit.